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Trouble at Foxconn as Apple launches new iPhone 5
- By Lindsey Millen
Industrial unrest in China continues to proliferate. A riot at a Foxconn factory that disrupted production at Apple’s main China supplier for 24 hours highlights regimented dormitory life and thuggish security as major sources of labour tension in China.
While unrest often flares in China as low-paid workers agitate for better pay and conditions, the conflict at Foxconn’s Taiyuan facility in northern China was notable for its scale and severity.
Details of the riot are uncertain while investigations are underway, but employees interviewed by Reuters said tension between workers and security guards boiled over on Sunday evening after a worker was severely beaten.
That led to thousands joining in and about 40 people were injured, according to Foxconn and Chinese media.
This is a major blow to Apple’s top supplier as it ramps up production to meet orders for the iPhone 5 and seeks to rehabilitate its image after a labour audit this year found flaws: New iPhone, Old Abuses.
